My name is Stuart Lee and I am British, Before I became an instructor I was an IT Support Analyst... ZzzzzzzzSendzzzzzzzzzzzz!

What is your PADI position?

I have just completed my staff instructor course.

What are your responsibilities for the IDC?

As a staff instructor, I have to help the IDC candidates with any questions, helping them with any of the theory they dont understand and help them to prepare themselves for the IE, by helping them with their open water, confined and academic presentations.

How did you work you way up to Staff Instructor?

After deciding to do my Instructor course, I also deciding I wanted to progress as far as I could with PADI so booked my MSDT and Staff Instructor at the same time. The next step is Master Instructor but I cant do that yet as I need to have been an instructor for two years, but I do intend to complete it in the future and who knows, maybe even Course Director.

What do you like about being involved in a IDC?

I have enjoyed being involved from the staff side of the IDC for many reasons. Firstly, I get to see the candidates making the same mistakes that I did during my IDC which makes me feel better about myself.

Also, I have enjoyed being able to help the candidates with any problems as I find teaching very rewarding and was considering becoming a teacher in the UK, but being able to combine teaching with something I love (diving) is a perfect job.

What makes someone a good instructor in your eyes?

I think a good instructor has to have many qualities, such as being sociable, patient, understanding and flexible.

What advice do you give to people who want to work as soon as possible after they passed the Instructor Exam?

I would recommend that they do the MSDT or at least assist an instructor on a course or two first, to enable them to practice instructing with another instructor around first, so they can let them know if they are missing anything out.

Any contactinfo you would like to put down?

No website yet but there is one in the pipeline.